Why I’m voting yes on both props 30 and 38

Every Friday morning I attend the singalong at my children’s San Francisco public elementary school. Students, teachers and many parents gather in the auditorium and sing through a medley of songs. When Ms. Young starts pounding the school song on the piano, the children all sit up straight and proudly sing: “It’s Jose Ortega on the hill we love…”

Whenever I hear the kids gaily belting out this song, I have to fight back the tears. The young voices are filled with hope, cheer, and school pride—and I’m deeply touched by their optimism.

These kids love their school. They love their principal who knows each and every one of them by name. They love their teachers who stay up late at night creating innovative lesson plans. They love the school’s emphasis on reading and when you visit the cafeteria at lunch time many of them are eating a sandwich and reading a book. They love Mr. Jay who teaches them about science through gardening and they all look forward to the singalong when they get to express their pride for their school.

These kids come from diverse backgrounds. Some 60 percent of them are from low-income families. Statistically these kids should be failing, but they’re doing the exact opposite thanks to a stellar principal, outstanding teachers and a supportive community. These kids perform well and this year our API was 840. At Jose Ortega, we’re closing the achievement gap—but more importantly we’re creating joyful learners who are curious about the world.

And it’s because of this dedicated teaching community and these hard-working kids that I’m voting yes on both propositions 30 and 38. Why both? Because why not? It’s unfortunate that there are two education propositions on the ballot that are confusing voters and splitting the vote (and I won’t even bother to get into the politics around that). And so I’m voting for both to send a message to Sacramento that I care about education.

Here’s more on these propositions that will stop the devastating cuts:

Proposition 30

“The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012″

Sponsored by Governor Brown’s Initiative

Stops the cuts and keeps schools funded at the same level as 2011-12

Funds given to the schools this fiscal year. Expected to raise $6 billion

Increases personal income tax on annual earnings over $250,000 for seven years

Increases sales tax by .25 cent for four years

Allocates temporary tax revenues 89% to K-12 schools and 11% to community colleges

Funds would begin to go to schools in 2013-14. Expected to raise $10 billion annually

Increases personal income tax rates on annual earnings using a sliding scale

During the first four years, allocates 60% of revenues to K-12 schools, 30% to repaying state debt, and 10% to early childhood programs. Thereafter, allocates 85% of revenue to K-12 schools

Provides K-12 funds on school-specific, per-pupil basis, subject to local control, audits, and public input

What happens if they both pass?

Nobody will be taxed twice. The proposition with the most votes would come into play, though some non-conflicting items from each could possibly be enacted, according to Educate Our State.

Which proposition is more likely to pass?

Both propositions need a majority to pass. Right now prop 30 is polling ahead of prop 38, but prop 30 needs an extra push from voters to pass. The most recent poll shows prop 30 support dropping below 50 percent, but it also shows 14 percent undecided.

Why vote for both?

Why not? It sends a message to Sacramento that California voters care about education. It’s unfortunate that there are two propositions on the ballet because this is confusing people and splitting the vote.

Forget trying to decide which one to vote for: Just vote for both!

If people advocate for voting for both, then one of these props is more likely to pass. If we continue to fight over which proposition is better, then the vote will be split and nothing gets passed. Education advocates shouldn’t be fighting education advocates! We all want the same thing: the best education for kids in California.

What happens if the propositions fail?

The school year will be shorter. San Francisco will cut as many as 5 days off the current school year and take off at least 10 days from the 2013-14 year. San Diego and Los Angeles districts are faced with cutting as many 15 days off the school year. Class sizes will increase, schools will close…California’s per student spending already ranks near the bottom in our nation. Let’s not allow it to fall dead last!